Cover Adaptable to Multiple Vehicle Seat Configurations

ABSTRACT

A cover for a vehicle may include a lower portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The cover may also include an upper portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat. The upper portion may include a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of the first section, the second section, and the third section may extend from an upper edge of the upper portion to the lower portion. The cover may include a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the first section to the second section. The second coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the second section and the third section.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/093,592, entitled SEAT COVER ADAPTABLE TO MULTIPLE VEHICLESEAT CONFIGURATIONS, filed Apr. 7, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/179,236, entitled SEAT COVERADAPTABLE TO MULTIPLE SEAT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS, filed on May 1, 2015,U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/283,136, entitled SEAT COVERADAPTABLE TO MULTIPLE SEAT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS, filed on Aug. 21,2015, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/283,114, entitledSEAT COVER ADAPTABLE TO MULTIPLE SEAT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS, filed onAug. 21, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover for an interior of a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a cover adaptable tomultiple vehicle seat configurations. In some embodiments, the cover forthe vehicle may be used as seat cover and/or a cargo bed cover. Vehicleseats may be designed to move between various configurations, such as,for example, one section up and another section folded down, in order toallow items of various sizes to be transported in the vehicle. A coverfor a vehicle seat and/or a cargo bed may be limited to a particulartype of car, with particular dimensions and features, or a particularseat configuration. In some cases, the cover may not permit movement ofthe vehicle seat between the various configurations or may cover variousfeatures, such as seat belts. In order to perform a particular functionin the vehicle, the cover may need to be removed. Further, vehicle seatsmay be exposed to various events that may damage the vehicle seats dueto, for example, pets, children, spills, objects, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover for an interior of a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a cover adaptable tomultiple vehicle seat configurations. In some embodiments, the cover forthe vehicle may include a seat cover or a cargo bed cover. In someembodiments, the cover may include a lower portion. In some embodiments,the lower portion may be sized and configured to extend over ahorizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. In someembodiments, the lower portion may be sized and configured to extendover a horizontally-oriented cargo area of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the cover may also include an upper portion coupledto the lower portion. In some embodiments, the upper portion may besized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicleseat. In some embodiments, the upper portion may be sized and configuredto extend upwardly over a rear surface of the backrest.

In some embodiments, the upper portion may include a first section, asecond section, and a third section. In some embodiments, the firstsection, the second section, and the third section may extend from anupper edge of the upper portion to the lower portion. In someembodiments, the first and second sections may be separated by a firstvertical slit. In some embodiments, the second and third sections may beseparated by a second vertical slit.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a first coupling mechanism,which may be configured to directly couple the first section and thesecond section. In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism may beconfigured to at least partially close the first vertical slit. In someembodiments, the cover may include a second coupling mechanism, whichmay be configured to directly couple the second section and the thirdsection. In some embodiments, the second coupling mechanism may beconfigured to at least partially close the second vertical slit.Coupling mechanisms may be configured to facilitate coupling anduncoupling.

In some embodiments, the first section may be configured to be folded ontop of the lower portion independently of the second and third sectionsin response to the first section being uncoupled from the second sectionvia the first coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, when the cover isused as the seat cover, the first section may be configured to be foldedon top of the lower portion independently of the second and thirdsections in response to the first section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the first coupling mechanism and/or a first portionof the backrest being moved to a folded position. In some embodiments,when the cover is used as the cargo seat cover, the first section may beconfigured to move to a generally horizontal position independently ofthe second and third sections in response to the first section beinguncoupled from the second section via the first coupling mechanismand/or a third portion of the backrest being moved to a folded position.

In some embodiments, the second section may be configured to be foldedon top of the lower portion independently of the first and thirdsections in response to the first section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the first coupling mechanism and the third sectionbeing uncoupled from the second section via the second couplingmechanism. In some embodiments, when the cover is used as the seatcover, the second section may be configured to be folded on top of thelower portion independently of the first and third sections in responseto the first section being uncoupled from the second section via thefirst coupling mechanism and the third section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the second coupling mechanism, and further inresponse to a second portion of the back rest being moved to a foldedposition. In some embodiments, when the cover is used as the cargo bedcover, the second section may be configured to move to a generallyhorizontal position independently of the first and third sections inresponse the first section being uncoupled from the second section viathe first coupling mechanism and the third section being uncoupled fromthe second section via the second coupling mechanism, and further inresponse to the second portion of the back rest being moved to thefolded position.

In some embodiments, the third section may be configured to be folded ontop of the lower portion independently of the first and second sectionsin response to the third section being uncoupled from the second sectionvia the second coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, when the coveris used as the seat cover, the third section may be configured to befolded on top of the lower portion independently of the first and secondsections in response to the third section being uncoupled from thesecond section via the second coupling mechanism and/or the thirdportion of the backrest being moved to a folded position. In someembodiments, when the cover is used as the cargo bed cover, the thirdsection may be configured to move to a generally horizontal positionindependently of the first and second sections in response to the thirdsection being uncoupled from the second section via the second couplingmechanism and/or the first portion of the back rest being moved to thefolded position.

In some embodiments, an upper portion of the first section and/or anupper portion of the third section may each include an anchor. In someembodiments, the anchor may be configured to secure the cover to aheadrest of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the cover may include one or more openings disposedbetween the upper portion and the lower portion. In some embodiments,the one or more openings may include one or more of the following: afirst opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening.In some embodiments, one or more of the first opening, the secondopening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may include agenerally horizontal slit. In some embodiments, the first opening mayextend along a portion of a lower edge of the first section to at leastthe second section. In some embodiments, the first opening may extendalong the portion of the lower edge of the first section to the thirdsection. In these embodiments, in response to the first section beinguncoupled from the second section via the first coupling mechanism andthe third section being uncoupled from the second section via the secondcoupling mechanism, the second section may be detached or removed fromthe cover.

The second opening may extend along a portion of a lower edge of thethird section to at least the second section. In some embodiments, thesecond opening may extend along the portion of the lower edge of thethird section to the first section. In these embodiments, in response tothe third section being uncoupled from the second section via the secondcoupling mechanism and the first section being uncoupled from the secondsection via the first coupling mechanism, the second section may bedetached or removed from the cover.

In some embodiments, the third opening may be disposed between the firstsection and the lower portion. In some embodiments, the fourth openingmay be disposed between the third section and the lower portion. In someembodiments, the first opening, the second opening, and/or the fourthopening may be configured to receive a seat belt. In some embodiments,the first opening, the second opening, the third opening and/or thefourth opening may be configured to receive a fastener used to anchor achild car seat.

In some embodiments, the lower portion may include a slit, which mayextend linearly inward from a lower edge of the lower portion. The slitmay allow a section of the lower portion to be folded over to expose aportion of a floor of the cargo bay. In some embodiments, the slit mayextend linearly inward from a center of the lower edge of the lowerportion.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may extend alongsubstantially all of a height of the upper portion: the first verticalslit, the second vertical slit, the first coupling mechanism, and thesecond coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism may extend along at least a portion of the first vertical slitand/or the second coupling mechanism may extend along at least a portionof the second vertical slit. The first and second coupling mechanismsmay each include any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example,one or more zippers, buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks,VELCRO™, etc.

In some embodiments, the cover may be constructed of a fabric material,such as, for example, one or more of the following: spandex knit, lycraknit, jersey knit, interlock knit, ribbed knit, terry knit, sweaterknit, modal knit, hemp knit, bamboo knit, silk knit, cotton knit, pontede roma, thermal knit, stretch lace, synthetic knit, organic knit,polyvinyl chloride, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. In some embodiments,the fabric material may be stretchable. In some embodiments, the fabricmaterial may allow the cover to be pliable so the cover may be foldedand/or conform to a shape and dimension of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be weather-proof and/ormachine-washable. In some embodiments, the cover may include a firstlayer of the fabric material and a second layer of the fabric material,which may be sewn together. In some embodiments, padding may be disposedbetween at least a portion of the first and second layers of the fabricmaterial.

In some embodiments, the cover may include another layer or backinglayer, which may be disposed on at least a portion of an underside ofthe cover. For example, when the cover is used as the cargo bed cover,the backing layer may be disposed on an underside of the upper and lowerportions. As another example, when the cover is used as the seat cover,the backing layer may be disposed on an underside of the lower section.In some embodiments, the backing layer may be configured to preventslippage and/or increase friction between the cover and the seat and/orthe cargo bed. In some embodiments, the backing layer may include anetting. In some embodiments, the backing layer may be constructed ofrubber, plastic, or another suitable material that allows the cover tobe flexible and/or foldable. In some embodiments, the cover may includea water-proof coating.

In some embodiments, the cover may include a guard portion, which may becoupled to a lower edge of the lower portion. In some embodiments, theguard portion may include a pliable skirt. In some embodiments, when thecover is used as the cargo bed cover, the guard may be configured toextend over a bumper of the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the coveris used as the seat cover, the guard may be configured to extendvertically and/or generally perpendicularly from the lower portion. Theguard portion may or may not include the padding.

In some embodiments, a cargo bed cover system may include a head linercover and/or the cover. In some embodiments, the head liner cover mayinclude one or more fasteners coupled to an interior of the vehicle. Insome embodiments, the head liner cover may be disposed above the cargobed of the vehicle. The interior of the vehicle may include a ceilingand/or a door of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the head liner covermay include an elongated fabric material, which may have a lengthapproximately equal to a width of the vehicle. In some embodiments, theone or more fasteners may be configured to secure the fabric material atleast proximate the ceiling. For example, the fabric material may bespaced apart and/or touch the ceiling. The one or more fasteners mayeach include a hook, a button, a zipper, a snap, a magnet, a clasp, aneyelet, a hook, VELCRO™, or another suitable fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood,a more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tolimit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an example cover, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the example cover of FIG. 1, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the example cover of FIG. 1,illustrating a first section and a third section of an upper portion ofthe cover uncoupled from a second portion of the upper portion via thefirst and second coupling mechanisms;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over a bench and backrest of a vehicle seat in oneconfiguration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over the bench and the backrest of the vehicle seatin another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, illustratingthe cover extending over the bench and the backrest of the vehicle seatin another configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another example cover, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the example cover of FIG. 4, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 9 is top view of a portion of the example cover of FIG. 4,illustrating a first section and a third section of an upper portion ofthe cover uncoupled from a second portion of the upper portion via thefirst and second coupling mechanisms, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 4,illustrating the cover extending over a rear surface of a backrest of avehicle seat and a cargo area in one configuration, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 4,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 4,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration, according to someembodiments, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 4,illustrating the cover extending over the rear surface of the backrestand the cargo area in another configuration, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of an example head liner cover,according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the example head liner cover ofFIG. 14, illustrating one or more fasteners, according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will bebest understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will bereadily understood that the components of the present invention, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in thefigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed,but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the cover 10 for thevehicle may include a seat cover and/or a cargo bed cover. In someembodiments, the cover 10 may include a lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the cover 10 may also include an upper portion 14 coupledto the lower portion 12.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may include one or more of thefollowing: a first section 16, a second section 18, and a third section20. In some embodiments, the first section 16, the second section 18,and the third section 20 may extend from an upper edge 22 of the upperportion 14 to the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, the first andsecond sections 16, 18 may be separated by a first vertical slit 24. Insome embodiments, the second and third sections 18, 20 may be separatedby a second vertical slit 26.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a first couplingmechanism, which may be configured to directly couple the first section16 and the second section 18. In some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism may be configured to at least partially close the firstvertical slit 24, which may extend from the upper edge 22 to the lowerportion 12. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a secondcoupling mechanism, which may be configured to directly couple thesecond section 18 and the third section 20. In some embodiments, thesecond coupling mechanism may be configured to at least partially closethe second vertical slit 26.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may include one ormore fasteners 28 configured to secure the cover 10 to the seat: anupper portion of the first section 16, an upper portion of the secondsection 18, and an upper portion of the third section 20. In someembodiments, the fasteners 28 may be configured to secure the cover 10to one or more headrests of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upperportion of the first section 16 and the upper portion of the thirdsection 20 may include a fastener 28. Each of the fasteners 28 mayinclude any suitable means of securing the cover 10 to the seat. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the fasteners 28 may includea belt, which may be configured to form a loop around the headrest. Insome embodiments, the loop may include a clasp.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include one or more openingsdisposed between the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the one or more openings may include one or more of thefollowing: a first opening 30, a second opening 32, a third opening 34,and a fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, one or more of the firstopening 30, the second opening 32, the third opening 34, and the fourthopening 36 may include a generally horizontal slit. In some embodiments,the first opening 30 may extend along a portion of a lower edge of thefirst section 16 to at least the second section 18. In some embodiments,the first opening 30 may extend along the portion of the lower edge ofthe first section to the third section 20. In these embodiments, inresponse to the first section 16 being uncoupled from the second section18 via the first coupling mechanism and the third section 20 beinguncoupled from the second section 18 via the second coupling mechanism,the second section 18 may be detached or removed from the cover 10.

In some embodiments, the second opening 32 may extend along a portion ofa lower edge of the third section 20 to at least the second section 18.In some embodiments, the second opening 32 may extend along the portionof the lower edge of the third section 20 to the first section 16. Inthese embodiments, in response to the third section 20 being uncoupledfrom the second section 18 via the second coupling mechanism and thefirst section 16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via thefirst coupling mechanism, the second section 18 may be detached orremoved from the cover 10. In some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe folded over fold line 35 and/or the third section 20 may be foldedover fold line 37.

In some embodiments, the third opening 34 may be disposed between thefirst section 16 and the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, thefourth opening 36 may be disposed between the third section 20 and thelower portion 12. In some embodiments, the first opening 34 and/or thefourth opening 36 may be configured to receive a seat belt and/or afastener used to anchor a child car seat.

In some embodiments, the cover 10 may be constructed of a fabricmaterial, such as, for example, one or more of the following: spandexknit, lycra knit, jersey knit, interlock knit, ribbed knit, terry knit,sweater knit, modal knit, hemp knit, bamboo knit, silk knit, cottonknit, ponte de roma, thermal knit, stretch lace, synthetic knit, organicknit, polyvinyl chloride, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be stretchable. In someembodiments, the fabric material may be weather-proof and/ormachine-washable. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include a guardportion 38, which may be coupled to a lower edge 40 of the lower portion12. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the cargo bedcover, the guard portion 38 may be configured to extend over a bumper ofthe vehicle. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the seatcover, the guard portion 38 may be configured to extend verticallyand/or generally perpendicularly from the lower portion 12. In someembodiments, the guard portion 38 may include one or more fasteners 42,which may be configured to secure the cover 10 to the seat of thevehicle. Each of the fasteners 42 may include any suitable means ofsecuring the cover 10 to the seat. For example, as illustrated in FIG.1, each of the fasteners 42 may include a belt, which may be configuredto form a loop around a portion of the seat, such as a leg. In someembodiments, the loop may include a clasp.

In some embodiments, the cover may be configured to hang similar to ahammock between one or more headrests disposed on front seats of thevehicle and one or more headrests disposed on back seats of the vehicle.For example, each of the fasteners 28 may be coupled with the head restsdisposed on the front seats of the vehicle and each of the fasteners 42may be coupled with the head rests disposed on the back seats of thevehicle. In these embodiments, the lower portion 12 may hang lower thanthen upper portion 14 and/or the guard portion 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the cover 10 mayinclude a first layer 44 of the fabric material and a second layer 46 ofthe fabric material, which may be sewn together. In some embodiments,padding may be disposed between at least a portion of the first andsecond layers 38, 40 of the fabric material. In some embodiments, theguard portion 38 may or may not include the padding. In someembodiments, the guard portion 38 may include a single layer of thefabric material.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the cover 10 may includeanother layer or backing layer 48, which may be disposed on at least aportion of an underside of the cover 10. For example, the backing layer48 may be disposed on an underside of the lower portion 12 and/or theupper portion 14. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as thecargo bed cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on an underside ofthe lower and upper portions 12, 14. In some embodiments, when the cover10 is used as the seat cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on anunderside of the lower portion 12. In some embodiments, the backinglayer 48 may be configured to prevent slippage and/or increase frictionbetween the cover 10 and the seat and/or the cargo bed. In someembodiments, the backing layer 48 may include a netting. In someembodiments, the backing layer 48 may be constructed of rubber, plastic,or another suitable material that allows the cover 10 to be flexibleand/or foldable. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may include awater-proof coating. In some embodiments, one or more anchors 50 may becoupled to the underside of the cover 10. In some embodiments, theanchors 50 may be configured to be tucked into a crease in the seatbetween the backrest and the bench of the seat. In some embodiments, theanchors 50 may be looped-shaped.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following may extend alongsubstantially all of a height of the upper portion 14: the firstvertical slit 24, the second vertical slit 26, the first couplingmechanism, and the second coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the guard portion 38 may include one or more guardcoupling mechanisms, which may allow all or a portion of the guardportion 38 to be securely rolled or folded. In some embodiments, the oneor more guard coupling mechanisms may be disposed on a bottom orunderside of the guard portion 38. In some embodiments, each of thefasteners 42 may be folded such that a middle portion of the fastener 42is disposed between a first guard coupling mechanism 49 and a secondguard coupling mechanism 51. In some embodiments, the first and secondguard coupling mechanisms 49, 51 may then be coupled together and theguard portion 38 folded such that the fastener 42 is secured within theguard portion 38.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a third guardcoupling mechanism 53 may extend along all or a portion of an edge ofthe guard portion 38. In some embodiments, the third guard couplingmechanism 53 may be coupled with a corresponding fourth guard mechanism55. In some embodiments, the third guard coupling mechanism 53 and/orthe corresponding fourth guard coupling mechanism 55 may prevent theguard portion 38 from sagging when the guard portion 38 is rolled orfolded.

In some embodiments, a particular guard coupling mechanism 53 may beconfigured to couple with a particular fastener 42. For example, theparticular guard coupling mechanism 53 may be a loop and the particularfastener 42 may be secured within the loop. In these and otherembodiments, a single guard coupling mechanism may secure the particularfastener 42.

The guard coupling mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 2B are VELCRO™However, the guard coupling mechanisms 49, 51, 53, 55 may each includeany suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example, one or morebuttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, etc. The guardcoupling mechanisms may be disposed at any number of locations on theunderside of the guard portion 38 to allow the guard portion to berolled or folded.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the first couplingmechanism 52 may extend along at least a portion of the first verticalslit 24 and/or the second coupling mechanism 54 may extend along atleast a portion of the second vertical slit 26. The first and secondcoupling mechanisms 52, 54 may each include any suitable couplingmechanism, such as for example, one or more buttons, snaps, magnets,clasps, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, etc. In some embodiments, the first andsecond coupling mechanisms 52, 54 may include zippers, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

In some embodiments, a third coupling mechanism 60 may be configured toat least partially close the first opening 30. In some embodiments, afourth coupling mechanism 59 may be configured to at least partiallyclose the second opening 32. In some embodiments, the third couplingmechanism 60 may extend along at least a portion of the first opening30. In some embodiments, the fourth coupling mechanism 59 may extendalong at least a portion of the second opening 32. In some embodiments,the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourth coupling mechanism 59may each include any suitable coupling mechanism, such as for example,one or more buttons, snaps, magnets, clasps, etc. In some embodiments,the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourth coupling mechanism maybe disposed in a crease or seam between the lower portion 12 and theupper portion 14.

In some embodiments, the third coupling mechanism 60 and/or the fourthcoupling mechanism 59 may include VELCRO™, as illustrated in FIG. 3,which may allow the first opening 30 and/or the second opening 32 topartially open to access a seatbelt. Coupling mechanisms the same as orsimilar to the first coupling mechanism 52, the second couplingmechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 60, or the fourth couplingmechanism 59, may be used to close or partially close the third opening34 and/or the fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, one or more of thefollowing may be eliminated: the first coupling mechanism 52, the secondcoupling mechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 60, and the fourthcoupling mechanism 59. In some embodiments, the cover 10 may not includeone or more of the following: the first coupling mechanism 52, thesecond coupling mechanism 54, the third coupling mechanism 59, and thefourth coupling mechanism 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, in some embodiments, the lower portion 12may be sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented topof a bench 56 of a vehicle seat. In some embodiments, a third section 58of the backrest may be configured to be folded on top of the lowerportion 12 independently of the first and second sections 16, 18 inresponse to the third section 20 being uncoupled from the second section18 via the second coupling mechanism 54. In some embodiments, when thecover 10 is used as the seat cover, the third section 20 may beconfigured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independently ofthe first and second sections 16, 18 in response to the third section 20being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the second couplingmechanism 54 and/or the third portion 58 of the backrest being moved toa folded position.

In some embodiments, the third coupling mechanism 60 may be configuredto at least partially close the first opening 30. In some embodiments,as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third coupling mechanism 60 may beconfigured to partially close the first opening 30 such that a seat belt62 may extend through the first opening 30. In some embodiments, thefourth coupling mechanism 59 may configured the same as or similar tothe third coupling mechanism 60.

In some embodiments, a fastener 64 may be configured to, for example,anchor a child car seat and may extend through the third opening 34and/or the fourth opening 36. In some embodiments, each of the fasteners28 may be configured to secure the cover 10 to a headrest 66 of thevehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the second section 18 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 20 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54. In some embodiments,when the cover 10 is used as the seat cover, the second section 18 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 54 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54, and further in responseto a second portion 68 of the back rest being moved to a foldedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the secondportion 68 of may correspond to an arm rest or a person location.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe configured to be folded on top of the lower portion 12 independentlyof the second and third sections 18, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52. In some embodiments, when the cover 10 is used as the seatcover, the first section 16 may be configured to be folded on top of thelower portion 12 independently of the second and third sections 18, 20in response to the first section 16 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the first coupling mechanism 52 and/or a first section 70of the backrest being moved to a folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a cover 72 may include thecargo bed cover. In some embodiments, the cover 72 may include orcorrespond to the cover 10 described in the previous figures. In someembodiments, one or more of the first opening 30, the second opening 32,the third opening 34, and the fourth opening 36 may be absent when thecover 72 includes the cargo bed cover, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In someembodiments, edges of the lower and upper portions 12, 14 may includeslits 74 configured to facilitate folding of the cover 10 to coverportions of a side wall of the interior of the vehicle proximate thecargo bed. In some embodiments, the edges of the cover 72 may includeany number of slits 74, which may be positioned at various locations. Insome embodiments, the slits 74 may be configured to allow one or morewings 75 to be folded upward. In some embodiments, the wings 75 mayallow the cover 72 to be fitted to various cargo areas and vehicles.Thus, the wings 75 may facilitate universal usage of the cover 72. Forexample, a particular cargo area may include a protrusion, such as atire well, and the wings 75 may be configured to allow the cover 72 tobend around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the cover 72 mayinclude four slits 74, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In some embodiments,the cover 72 may have less than or more than four slits 74. In someembodiments, one or more coupling mechanisms may at least partiallyclose one or more of the slits 74, which may increase a length of aparticular wing 75.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, when the cover 72 is usedas the cargo bed cover, the backing layer 48 may be disposed on anunderside of the lower and upper portions 12, 14.

Referring now to FIG. 9, any or all of the first section 16, the secondsection 18, and the third section 20 may be configured to fold along anedge between the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 12. FIG. 9illustrates the second section 18 independently folded on top of thelower portion 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, in some embodiments, the lower portion 12may be sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented cargoarea of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may besized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicleseat. In some embodiments, the upper portion 14 may be sized andconfigured to extend upwardly over a rear surface of the backrest.

In some embodiments, the lower portion 12 may include a slit 76, whichmay extend linearly inward from the lower edge 40 of the lower portion12. The slit 76 may allow a section of the lower portion 12 to be foldedover fold line 78 to expose a portion of a floor of the cargo bay. Insome embodiments, the slit may extend linearly inward from a center ofthe lower edge of the lower portion.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the first section 16 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the second and third sections 18, 20 in response to the first section16 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and/or the third section 58 of the backrest being moved toa folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, whenthe cover 72 is used as the cargo bed cover, the guard portion 38 may beconfigured to extend over a bumper 74 of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the second section 18 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the first and third sections 16, 20 in response the first section 16being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the first couplingmechanism 52 and the third section 20 being uncoupled from the secondsection 18 via the second coupling mechanism 54, and further in responseto the second portion 68 of the back rest being moved to the foldedposition.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the third section 20 maybe configured to move to a generally horizontal position independentlyof the first and second sections 16, 18 in response to the third section20 being uncoupled from the second section 18 via the second couplingmechanism 54 and/or the first section 70 of the back rest being moved tothe folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, a cargo bed cover systemmay include a head liner cover 82 and/or the cover 70. In someembodiments, the head liner cover 82 may include one or more fasteners84 coupled to an interior of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the headliner cover 82 may be disposed above the cargo bed of the vehicle. Thehead liner cover 82, however, may be disposed on any portion of theceiling and/or one or more upper side walls of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the interior of the vehicle may include the ceiling and/orthe upper side walls.

In some embodiments, the head liner cover 82 may include an elongatedfabric material, which may have a length approximately equal to orslightly longer than a width 85 of the ceiling. In some embodiments, theone or more fasteners 84 may be configured to secure the fabric materialat least proximate the ceiling. In some embodiments, the fabric materialmay be spaced apart and/or touch the ceiling. The one or more fasteners84 may each include a hook, a button, a zipper, a snap, a magnet, aclasp, eyelets, hooks, VELCRO™, or another suitable fastener. In someembodiments, an adhesive may be used to secure the fabric material atleast proximate the ceiling. The fasteners 84 may be coupled with anyportion of the head liner cover 82. For example, referring now to FIG.15, the fasteners 84 may be coupled with corners of the head liner cover82, as illustrated in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the fasteners mayinclude hooks 88, which may be disposed in holes 90 of the head linercover 82 to secure the fabric material at least proximate the ceiling.The head liner cover 82 may be permanently or removably coupled with theceiling and/or upper side walls of the vehicle. In some embodiments, arear edge 86 of the head liner cover 82 may be disposed at leastproximate a top of a hatchback or trunk of the vehicle.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the various features andelements of the various embodiments of the present invention may bemodified and/or combined within the spirit of the present invention toprovide a seat cover, cargo seat cover, and/or head liner cover. Forexample, the size, dimensions, shapes, proportions and materials of thepresent invention may be modified as desired or necessary based on, forexample, a vehicle configuration, shape, or dimensions. For example,quantity and/or placement of one or more vertical slits, such as forexample, the first vertical slit 24 and/or the second vertical slit 26,may be varied. As another example, quantity and/or placement of one ormore openings, such as the first opening 30, the second opening 32, thethird opening 34, and/or the fourth opening 36 may be varied. In someembodiments, the one or more openings may be disposed within the firstsection 16 and/or the second section 18. In some embodiments, aparticular cover, such as, for example, the cover 10 and/or the cover70, may be customized according to predetermined specifications to fit aparticular vehicle interior. In some embodiments, a particular cover,such as, for example, the cover 10 and/or the cover 70, may beconfigured to fit various vehicle interiors and seat configurations, asdescribed in the present specification.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter.Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat cover for a vehicle, comprising: a benchportion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented topof a bench of a vehicle seat; a backrest portion coupled to the lowerportion, wherein the backrest portion is sized and configured to extendupwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat, wherein the backrestportion has a first section, a second section, and a third section,wherein at least one of the first section, the second section, and thethird section is entirely located on the backrest portion and extendsfrom an upper edge of the backrest portion to a position proximal thebench portion; a first coupling mechanism configured to couple the firstsection to the second section; and a second coupling mechanismconfigured to couple the second section and the third section.
 2. Theseat cover of claim 1, wherein the first section is configured to befolded on top of the bench portion independently of the second and thirdsections in response the first section being uncoupled from the secondsection via the first coupling mechanism.
 3. The seat cover of claim 1,wherein the third section is configured to be folded on top of the benchportion independently of the first and second sections in response tothe third section being uncoupled from the second section via the secondcoupling mechanism.
 4. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein the secondsection is configured to be folded on top of the bench portionindependently of the first and third sections in response to the firstsection being uncoupled from the second section via the first couplingmechanism and the third section being uncoupled from the second sectionvia the second coupling mechanism.
 5. The seat cover of claim 1, whereinan upper portion of the first section and an upper portion of the thirdsection each include a fastener configured to fasten the seat cover to afirst head rest and a second head rest of the vehicle, respectively. 6.The seat cover of claim 1, further comprising a first opening disposedbetween the backrest portion and the bench portion, wherein the firstopening extends along a portion of a lower edge of the first section toat least the second section.
 7. The seat cover of claim 6, wherein theopening is closed by a third coupling mechanism, wherein the thirdcoupling mechanism includes a hook and loop fastener, wherein the firstand second coupling mechanisms each include a zipper.
 8. The seat coverof claim 6, further comprising a second opening, wherein the secondopening is disposed between the first section and the bench portion. 9.The seat cover of claim 1, wherein one or more openings are disposedbetween the backrest portion and the bench portion.
 10. The seat coverof claim 1, wherein the first coupling mechanism and the second couplingmechanism extend along substantially all of a height of the backrestportion.
 11. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein the first couplingmechanism and the second coupling mechanism include a hook and loopfastener.